Saturday, July 9, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage  (3 hrs )

Finished Sect 10-27 via bucking those rivets that I couldn't use Main Squeeze on.   Several sizes on Fig 2 diagram by Van's were too short ! vs 'checking gauge'...so substituted next size ( -8 vs -7, -5 vs -4, and even -6 vs -4 spec'd).  Surprised not just a 0.5 off, but whole length.  These were in locations with additional layers that perhaps designers/engineers didn't account for.   It's always good idea to check lengths throughout build, as other builders have noted.  So...if you are building, check with gauge tool vs reliance only on dwg call outs.  
Several rivet locations with "protruding ears" nearby (mounting tail assemblies eventually) required offset extension in rivet gun.  These required much higher pressure adj. at gun since lots of impact energy seems to be lost due to offset.  

Hooray !  Mounted Vert Stabilizer per Sect 10-28.   Drilled (2) #12 size holes through stab spar into rearmost bulkhead.   Disassembled and re-stored V.S. for later section fit up after top skins are completed on Fuse.